How To Show Up In ChatGPT
2025 = AI is the new search. Master AEO to get cited.
ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, and Copilot now cite sources + brands.
You're no longer fighting for clicks... you're fighting for citations.
8 Core AEO Practices for 2025
Answer Engine Optimisation = SEO reimagined for AI
- 1 Structure for extraction → Use Q&A format, H2/H3 as questions, clear information hierarchy
- 2 Direct answers up front → 40-60 word concise response in first paragraph, context follows
- 3 Build E-E-A-T signals → Author bios, credentials, original research, frequent updates
- 4 Implement schema markup → FAQ, HowTo, Product, Article, Organization schema
- 5 Allow AI crawlers → Check robots.txt for GPTBot, PerplexityBot, ClaudeBot
- 6 Add llms.txt file → Guide AI crawlers with structured content summaries
- 7 Build multi-platform presence → Reddit, YouTube, industry forums, review sites
- 8 Track citations, not just clicks → Monitor brand mentions across AI platforms
6-Step AEO Playbook
Match conversational intent
Tools: AnswerThePublic, Perplexity suggestions, People Also Ask
Lead with snippable answers
FAQ style, ≤80 words per para, answer in first 100 words
Deploy comprehensive schema
FAQ, HowTo, Product, Article, Organization markup
Establish authority signals
Author expertise, original data, credible sources, recent updates
Optimise for AI crawlers
Server-side rendering, allow AI bots, add llms.txt
Measure AI visibility
Track citations with Peec AI, Otterly, or manual checks
Quick Wins (This Week)
The CITE Framework™ for AI Visibility
Our proprietary methodology for getting cited by AI platforms:
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between SEO and AEO?
SEO optimises for search engine rankings—getting your page listed higher in Google results. AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) optimises for AI citations—getting your content extracted and cited when AI systems generate answers. Both matter in 2025, but AEO is increasingly critical as ChatGPT now processes over 1 billion searches per week. The key difference: SEO = ranking, AEO = being cited as the source.
How do I check if my robots.txt blocks AI crawlers?
Visit yoursite.com/robots.txt and look for User-agent rules mentioning GPTBot, PerplexityBot, ClaudeBot, or OAI-SearchBot. If you see "Disallow: /" for these bots, AI crawlers can't access your content. Remove or modify these rules to allow AI indexing. Also consider adding an llms.txt file—a new standard that provides AI systems with structured guidance about your content.
Why should answers be 40-60 words?
This is the optimal length for AI extraction. Too short lacks substance for AI to cite meaningfully; too long gets truncated or skipped entirely. AI systems scan for concise, complete answers they can extract cleanly. Structure your content with a 40-60 word direct answer first, then expand with supporting details. Think of it as writing the summary first, then the explanation.
Which schema types matter most for AI visibility?
FAQ schema has the highest impact—it explicitly marks question-answer pairs for AI extraction. Sites with FAQ schema see 2.5x more AI citations on average. HowTo schema works well for process content. Product and Article schema help AI understand content type. Organization schema builds entity recognition. Implement FAQ schema first on key pages, then expand to other types.
What is llms.txt and should I add it?
llms.txt is an emerging standard (similar to robots.txt) that provides AI systems with structured information about your content. It helps AI crawlers understand your site's structure, key topics, and important pages. While not yet universally adopted, early implementation signals AI-readiness and can improve how AI systems understand and cite your content. Add it to your root directory alongside robots.txt.
How do I track AI citations of my brand?
Manual testing: regularly ask ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini questions your customers would ask. Automated tools: Peec AI, Otterly, and Profound track AI mentions across platforms. Indirect signals: monitor branded search volume increases and referral traffic from AI platforms (filter by utm_source=chatgpt.com in analytics). Set up a weekly cadence for manual checks and monthly reports from automated tools.
Why do different AI platforms cite different sources?
Each AI platform has different data sources. ChatGPT uses Bing for live search plus its training data (Wikipedia, Reddit, news). Perplexity heavily favors Reddit (46.7% of citations) and recent web content. Gemini pulls from Google's index. Claude uses its training data with no live search currently. This means you need multi-platform optimisation—presence on Reddit helps Perplexity, while Bing optimisation helps ChatGPT.
Ready to Dominate AI Search Results?
Our SEO agency specializes in Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) strategies that get your brand cited by ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews. We combine traditional SEO expertise with cutting-edge AI visibility tactics.